San Marco party atmosphere powers Gate River Run participants through food, music and fun drinks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For many runners, the Gate River Run’s most dreaded stretch is the “Green Monster,” a steep problem on the course that exams pace and resolve on the Hart Bridge.

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But runners say their favourite stretches are available in one neighborhood: San Marco, the place residents line the route with cheers, snacks and artistic boosts.

“You got people throwing the little Dunkin’ Donut balls at you in San Marco,” mentioned runner Joe Ruppert.

The historic neighborhood has lengthy been a spotlight for a lot of runners on the Gate River Run, providing loud crowds, music and elaborate “hydration stations” that runners say give them a second wind.

“You just can’t beat San Marco,” mentioned one other runner Paul Davis. “It’s electric.”

Residents spend days getting ready block-party-style setups, full with music, indicators and themed stations meant to entertain and energize the sphere of runners.

“It’s been one of my most favorite things about living on this street,” mentioned resident Gaby Haddad.

One San Marco home has develop into an iconic cease with cheers, a DJ-like vibe and, for some years, tequila photographs supplied to passing runners.

“It puts a little pep in your step,” mentioned resident Pete Behringer, who helped arrange the scene.

Neighbors say this 12 months’s setup consists of bigger portions of provides than final 12 months: 90 kilos of bananas, 20 tequila handles and 2,000 shot glasses.

“I feel like sometimes people are sagging, they’re like, ‘Oh man, you know we’ve got a long way to go, and then, boom, here we are: Music, bananas, tequila,” mentioned Behringer. “So many people are thrilled with what we have to offer.”

Some residents like Haddid concentrate on hydration and powerups packing containers that runners can hit above their heads.

“We tried mimosas one year and that was insane, so I switched to waters over here,” Haddid mentioned.

Residents say they at all times anticipate energetic crowds and love feeling the power of the Jacksonville group.

“This is like part of our identity, and I think it really matters,” mentioned Behringer.